Gunsmithing to re-cut action threads or not

[OnyxSkyDV]

I know some will recut their action threads larger when doing a truing / blueprint on it, but if you were not going to automatically do so, how far out would the factory threads need to be to make you feel it was needed?

I just cleaned up the front of the action (which was barely out of perpendicular) and I engaged the halfnuts with a test indicator riding on the threads. Turning the spindle by hand it shows the threads are about 3 - 4 thou out of true (referenced off a PTG action truing mandrel).

So how far out would you decide that you needed to recut the threads if you were not already decided on doing so?

Thanks!


Onyx

 

[ugsly]

Re: to re-cut action threads or not

3-4 thousands out is quite a bit to me. <span style="font-weight: bold">If your setup for it I would recut them ONLY if your putting a new barrel on</span>.

Kc

 

[wtopace]

Re: to re-cut action threads or not

Disclaimer - This is just my ill-informed opinion, I have never trued an action and put the factory barrel back on!

If you aren't going to re-barrel the rifle, it probably isn't worth truing the action. Even with a new custom barrel, there is already a lot of debate going on about whether truing (specifically recutting the barrel threads on the action) is really worth it or not. If you are going to stick with the Remington factory barrel, I wouldn't bother truing the receiver.

If you have an after market barrel on a non-trued action - well, that's a pickle (I would probably find a new smith). Your best bet might be to true the receiver, set back your barrel and rechamber.

I prefer a nice class-3 thread between my receiver and barrel, so if I true an action you can bet that I will cut the matching thread on the barrel tenon (I have been opening receivers up to 1.075x16). Theoretically, as long as the shoulders are square and there is enough meat on the flanks of the mating threads (exact amounts can be found in machinery's handbook) you should be fine to have slop in the two.

 

[LRI]

Re: to re-cut action threads or not

Average hair on top of your skull: .003"
Sheet of note paper: .0035"


If that's the difference between X's and 9's were all in big doo doo.

How's the primer strike look? Is it off in left field or reasonably close?

 

[OnyxSkyDV]

Re: to re-cut action threads or not

I probably should have added some more info.

This is a stock Rem700 ADL in .223 that I am rebarreling myself after to clean up the action. So far it's been working just fine as a .223

Having read alot of the info back and forth debating whether to recut the threads or not, I am firmly on the fence and getting splinters in my ass.

I have two Kreiger barrels to fit, a 17cal for a wildcat I am working on (17 Shrew, built off of .223 brass), and a 6.5mm that will be a .260 for it, as I have a spare Rem700 .308 bolt to use in it, thus I can make it a switch barrel setup. (Need to look into pinning the recoil lug so that I don't need to use the alignment tool every time.)

So I can take any steps that I need, and I have the action dialed in now and sitting in the chuck / jig.

The downside to recutting the threads, is I can't swap back to the .223 fluted factory barrel I have, but as that's a factory barrel I am not sure that's a good or bad thing, and I'm not opposed to picking up a good .223 barrel blank down the road so that I can send some of the heavier bullets down range with the proper twist.

So, since this is my first action to true, first barrel to fit and chamber, etc, I am just trying to make sure I am doing things the right way. Or at least in a way that will gain me as much experience as possible when I screw it up.

Thanks for the input everyone!

Onyx

 

[338RUM runner]

Re: to re-cut action threads or not

Just my .02 the factory barrel will have to be recut cuz you faced the receiver might as well clean the threads and not have to worry about it.

 

[Boltfluter]

Re: to re-cut action threads or not

Onyx,

I think you answered your own question, by not being opposed to picking up a new .223 barrel blank. Since you are already set up, I would go for it. Just my .02

Regards,
Paul

 

[E. Bryant]

Re: to re-cut action threads or not

Do you <span style="font-style: italic">need</span> to recut the receiver threads? Probably not. The modest misalignment is highly unlikely to affect real-world accuracy.

Having said that, I'd recommend that you "follow your heart". Since you're willing to abandon the factory barrel, I think you'll be happier if you recut the threads. If it were me (and I've been in this spot before), there would always be this concern in the back of my mind that I'd left potential accuracy on the table... even if that potential was largely imaginary. It's an emotional response, but I've found that I enjoy my hobbies more if I don't spend a lot of energy pushing aside my emotions.

Good luck with the project!